So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Time to Say Adieu

Our middle daughter, Leslie has been here in Texas for the past two weeks. We got to spend a few days away with her, then a few days at the lake. While she was here I asked her to go through every single room in our house and, being completely honest, tell me what needed to be changed. Some of the changes she suggested were small, but will have big impact. Some are bigger, will take longer, cost a bit but overall she was right about every single thing she suggested. Somehow Leslie just makes everything better everywhere she goes. You don't get a lot of sleep when she's in town, but being weary to the bone is absolutely worth it.

Nothing new, but I'm working on changes - to our home, and to life. It includes getting more pedicures and enough sleep, slowing down to 30 mph from the 60 I'm usually traveling at. Getting a facial now and then, taking more walks, and writing the memoir that absolutely cannot ever be published as long as my parents are still living; going gray (another step on the path to becoming who I want to be.) To living a more authentic life. Keeping more pages on our calendar white, and really focusing on about twenty people. They're the ones on my organ donor list with no questions asked, the ones I'd go to in the middle of the night.

And it includes not blogging anymore. My first little blog, "Blessed Beyond Measure" started over five years ago. I've had about five different ones, with five different names, but they've all had the same theme - making life count. I'm realizing I don't have the time to put into tending to this place, and still truly connect with those I love the most. I tell my grandkids they're McDonalds grandkids - out of the billions and billions there are, they are my favorites. That goes for my children and their spouses, my siblings, both of my parents, and finally - but actually first - my dear, sweet husband.

I've appreciated every single comment, every single person who took the time to stop for a visit, to share their heart with me. Some of you have been with me since the very start, and I'm so very honored.

Everything has a shelf life - even blogs, and it's time to take this last one and put it to bed. I have been blessed beyond measure. I AM blessed beyond measure. If you stop, now and then, and wonder about what I'm up to, you can be confident I'm out there living the daylights out of every single day God gives to me, loving on those I treasure most.

P.S. thanks, Sarah, for suggesting I start blogging in the first place. You are by far the best writer in the family, I hope you'll continue. Thanks, Leslie for the house switch tips - the kitchen table does indeed look better turned the other direction, and thanks for being quirky you.Thanks, Dan for knowing that real connection rarely happens via Facebook, but instead the same, old-fashioned way it has for centuries on end - face to face. Love, Mom

14 comments:

Ah, Bev, I understand, but please know how much you will be missed. I have been along for the ride for years now - I forget how many! You have delighted me, and I have learned so much, too, from you. So hear me cheering you on from across the ocean. With love - Linds

I'm not sure that I have ever commented, but I read your blog every day! To say that you will be missed is an understatement! You have inspired me in ways you will never know. Thank you.... and I hope you continue to live the blessed life you deserve!

I am so sad that I will no longer benefit from your wisdom and ideas for living a life to the fullest, but I love that as always, you see what needs done and are doing it! I have been reading from the beginning, and have loved learning from you- you have truly been like a long distance mentor to me, and I will miss your writing!Blessings as you enjoy more time living your wonderful life!

I found your blog through your sister's and/or Sarah's ages ago. (can't remember which) But it has been a blessing to peak into your life especially since I always love reading about Sarah's. Thanks for sharing! Blessings on your new adventure focusing on those you love! In his love,Becky

Ah, my early blogging friend, I will truly miss you. Because of life I've been a rotten commentor lately but know I have been keeping up with your posts. I will miss you but I'm so excited for your decision and where it will take you. Bless you!

I read your post last night, and quickly closed out when I was finished. Oh, my - such hard words to hear! I don't think I really wanted to read what you had to say. It felt like a good friend was breaking off our relationship. Suffice it to say I was shocked and saddened, and wanting to beg you to reconsider. I won't. Well, not really. But just please take into account that you can blog WHENEVER you feel like it without quitting completely! And without any guilt if a month or two goes by. I hold you in such high esteem, and feel like you are a long-distance mentor who will be sorely, sorely missed. Don't quite know how to sign off...

I absolutely, completely understand, but want you to know you will be missed. Remember when Dianne and I figured out that you went to the same church we did? How crazy that I'd been reading your blog for months and had no idea. This blogging journey certainly has its ebbs and flows, and I'm thankful that I've been able to follow you through your blog, both when you lived nearby and after you moved away. Hoping I hear the occasional update on what you're up to through Sarah's blog. Take care, Bev. May God cause His face to [continue to!] shine upon you.

Thanks to everyone who left comments or sent emails. I so much appreciate every single one of them. This is the right decision right now. My life seems to always be twisting and turning, and who knows but another turn in the road might shift priorities and free up some time. I'll be writing what's really on my heart, the chaff and the grain poured out together, anonymously on a different blog I've had for years. Who knows but that someday I'll open that one up to anyone who'd care to listen. Blessings, Bev

blogging on an unpublished (anonymous) blog for just me to write what's on my heart but should not be shared beyond that. Writing on 'Numbering the Days Aright' starting this fall, in moderation - of course!